The tractor-trailer was travelling on National Highway 1A in Tam Hiep Commune, Nui Thanh District, Quang Nam Province at 4 a.m. when the accident happened. The van was coming in the opposite direction, on the way from the province of Quang Ngai to Da Nang city. Quang Nam is located in the middle of central Vietnam, around 100 km north of Quang Ngai and south of Da Nang.

Among the fatalities, six were killed on the spot and two died on the way to the hospital, while several were seriously injured, said Le Van Sinh, chairman of the People's Committee of Nui Thanh District.

The passenger van, badly wrecked, was seen turned upside down as the result of the accident.

Further investigation is underway into the cause of the accident.

More than 11,400 traffic accidents occurred in Vietnam last year, killing 6,384 people and injuring over 7,800, official data showed.

(With UNI inputs)